Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks within seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade, waives oil sanctions and observes a ceasefire that would include Lebanon.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has put forward a time-bound proposal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore talks on Iran’s nuclear file within seven days, contingent on U.S. actions and a ceasefire framework that would include Lebanon.
In the proposal, Iran would resume diplomacy after the United States lifts its naval blockade and waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales. Iran also would seek adherence to a ceasefire that encompasses Lebanon, aligning the maritime and nuclear steps with a broader effort to reduce regional hostilities.
Araghchi outlined the plan during a private gathering Thursday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to an attendee. There was no immediate comment from Iran’s United Nations mission or other Iranian officials.
The proposal was linked to an earlier understanding reached in June, which envisioned a 60-day interim period before talks could take further shape. That earlier arrangement collapsed after Iran resumed attacks on shipping in the strait, underscoring the volatility that has surrounded efforts to de-escalate in the key chokepoint.
On the U.S. side, President Donald Trump has previously said he is not in a rush to reach a deal. However, the proposal comes amid high oil prices that are contributing to inflation and intensifying cost-of-living pressures.
Analysts and participants in the diplomatic space have pointed to internal political constraints inside Iran. One question is whether hard-liners who dominate security forces would accept compromises advanced by more moderate figures, including President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute think tank and an attendee of the gathering, said the accelerated timetable could be designed to deliver political benefits for Trump ahead of November’s midterm elections. He also raised concerns about “deep suspicion,” including whether the approach would mainly buy time for Iran to increase oil output or relieve economic pressure rather than produce a durable settlement.
In a separate sign of diplomatic movement in the lead-up to ongoing negotiations, Pezeshkian hosted Qatar’s prime minister early Friday. Qatar has served as a mediator in efforts involving indirect Iranian-U.S. conversations at the United Nations this week, and the meeting adds to the indications that channels for negotiation remain active.
It was not clear how long Pezeshkian and Araghchi would remain in the United States after Pezeshkian addressed the annual UN gathering of world leaders on Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the United States would engage if there is an opening to exchange ideas and messages.
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